Deep Mycoses in Certain Freshwater Fishes of Eastern Uttar Pradesh (India) Caused by Watermoulds

Abstract

: Fungi are known to attack eggs, fry, fingerlings and adults of fishes and as a general rule the fungal infection starts when the host gets injured either mechanically or as a result of infections other than fungal. Besides the surface infections (dermatomycoses), the fungal pathogens penetrate into deeper tissues and cause deep mycoses damaging the internal tissues and organs. Anabas testudineus, Hypophthalmichtys molitrix, Labeo rohita, Labeo calbasu, Mystus mystus have been studied for the deep mycoses caused by watermoulds. The present investigations have shown several symptoms from tissue damage to the spinal curvature and an attempt has been made to assess the extent of deep dermal tissue destruction in Anabas testudineus parasitized by Pythium oligandrum Dreschler . The proteolytic enzyme production by the watermoulds has been found to be directly proportional to the intensity of fungal infection in fish.